Those enrolling in dental hygienist courses will learn a variety of skills which will enable them to learn how to collect information about a patient's oral and medical health history. They will learn skills in the use of a diverse range of tools such as hand and rotary instruments and ultrasonic devices to clean and polish teeth, including removing calculus, stains and plaque (hard as well as soft) from all teeth surfaces. They will be taught how to apply preventative materials like fluorides and sealants to the teeth. They will be taught to use x-ray machines, to take dental pictures, and how to develop the film.